External Fixation for the Correction of Bone Deformity and Trauma

ABSTRACT

Provided is an apparatus and component parts of a system for the external fixation of bones. The component parts include fixation plates such as a C-shaped Plate, an N-shaped Plate, a J-shaped Plate, a K-shaped Plate, an I-shaped Plate, a Foot Plate, a Z-shaped Plate and a T-shaped Plate. Two or more fixation plates are configured along an axis, the two or more fixation plates; a plurality of telescoping adjustable struts that connect a first fixation plate along the axis with a second fixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis, wherein the first and second fixation plates are adjacent plates along the axis; and a plurality of posts, each post connecting two adjacent fixation plates of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-in-part and claims the benefitof the filing date of an application entitled:

“External Fixation for the Correction of Bone Deformity and Trauma,”Ser. No. 16/564,023, filed Sep. 9, 2019, assigned to the assignee of thepresent application, and herein incorporated by reference, which is aContinuation and claims the benefit of the filing date of an applicationentitled:

“External Fixation for the Correction of Bone Deformity and Trauma,”Ser. No. 15/922,577, filed Mar. 15, 2018, now U.S. patent Ser. No.10/413,328, issued Sep. 17, 2019, assigned to the assignee of thepresent application, and herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

The claimed subject matter relates to an external bone fixation systemfor the treatment of bone deformity and trauma.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current External Bone Fixation (EBF) systems for the treatment of bonedeformity and acute trauma employ circular rings that surround apatient's limb. Typically, the diameter of such rings must beapproximately four centimeters (4 cm) larger than the limb being treatedto allow for swelling in the limb. Oversized rings to accommodate largeextremities may also be used. Current systems are both uncomfortable forthe patient and inconvenient when a wound is cleaned. One well-knownreconstructive system is the Ilizarov frame, as shown in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,365,624; 4,615,338; 4,978,348; 5,702,389 and 5,971,984. The Ilizarovframe uses a combination of circular frames, pins and wires fordeformity correction. In addition, current EBF systems for acute traumamay only provide a temporary fix until a definitive treatment isdetermined and they are unstable, difficult to move into a new positionand have minimal or no weight bearing capability.

SUMMARY

Provided is a system for the external fixation of a bone in conjunctionwith the treatment of bone deformity and trauma. The system isapplicable in, but not limited to, both adult and pediatric situations.The system includes a number of fixation plates such as a “C Plate,” a“N Plate.” a “J Plate,” a “K Plate,” an “I Plate,” a “Foot Plate,” a “ZPlate” and a “T Plate,” which may be arranged in a variety of “single,”“stacked,” or “cascade” configurations. The C Plate may be employed toconform to the leg, hip and arm; the N Plate to a leg, arm and foot; theJ Plate to the hip and leg; the K Plate to the pelvis and the Foot Plateto the foot. An I Plate may be employed to conform to a patient's footor to extend portions of the other plates. The T Plate and Z Plate thatmay be used in conjunction with the other components.

Fixation plates are coupled with either posts, rods or telescopingstruts and may include bridges to provide strength and stability. Thedisclosed technology enables ring-like fixation with stable point offixation while leaving a posterior opening to allow for edema and easieraccess to the limb under treatment. Different plates may be selected bya Health Care Provider (HCP) so that the HCP is able to customize anexternal fixation device specifically for a particular patient's anatomyand the patients' treatment. The customized external fixation device istypically attached to a patient's extremity or pelvis by means of acombination of fixation devices such as, but not limited to, wires andpins.

Provided is an apparatus and component parts of a system for theexternal fixation of bones. The component parts include fixation platessuch as a C Plate, a N Plate, a J Plate an I Plate, a K Plate, a FootPlate, a Z Plate and a T Plate. The system includes a plurality of twoor more fixation plates configured along an axis, the two or morefixation plates selected from a list, the list comprising a plurality ofC Plates: a plurality of N Plates; a plurality of J Plates; a pluralityof I Plates; a plurality of Z Plates, a plurality of T Plates, aplurality of telescoping adjustable struts that connect a first fixationplate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis with a secondfixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis,wherein the first and second fixation plates are adjacent plates alongthe axis; and a plurality of posts, each post connecting two adjacentfixation plates of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis.

This summary is not intended as a comprehensive description of theclaimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a briefoverview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Othersystems, methods, functionality, features, and advantages of the claimedsubject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in theart upon examination of the following figures and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the claimed subject matter can be obtainedwhen the following detailed description of the disclosed embodiments isconsidered in conjunction with the following figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of a C Plate that may beemployed in the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of an N Plate that may beemployed in conjunction with the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of a J Plate that may beemployed in conjunction with the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of a K Plate that may beemployed in conjunction with the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of a I Plate that may beemployed in conjunction with the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of one embodiment of Foot Plate that may beemployed in conjunction with the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is an adjustable strut that may be employed in conjunction withthe claimed subject matter.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of three hinges and one bolt that may beemployed in conjunction with an external bone fixation (EBF) system toaffix the EBF system to a patient's extremity.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a EBF system in accordance with thedisclosed technology employing two N Plates in a welded “cascade”configuration, two posts with a Fore Foot Bridge, a Foot Plate and apair of Walker Rails.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs a C Plate and an NPlate in a welded “stacked” configuration, a Foot Plate, two posts witha Fore Foot Bridge and a pair of Walker Rails.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs an N Plate and twoI Plates.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs two J Plates.

FIG. 13 is an illustration of the one embodiment of an EBF system inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs a C Plate and twoN Plates, illustrated in conjunction with a patient's extremity undertreatment.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of the one embodiment of an EBF system inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs a C Plate, an NPlate, a Foot Plate and six posts, only three of which are visible,illustrated in conjunction with a patient's extremity under treatment.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an EBF system with two J Plates affixed toa patient's exposed tibia and foot.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system with two KPlates, illustrated in conjunction with a patient's pelvic bone undertreatment.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of the embodiment of the EBF system of FIG.16 from a different perspective.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment of a T Plate that may beemployed in conjunction with the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 19 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system with a TPlate and two I Plates, illustrated in conjunction with a patient'stibia under treatment.

FIG. 20 is an illustration of one embodiment of a Z Plate that may beemployed in conjunction with the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 21 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system with a ZPlate, illustrated in conjunction with a patient's tibia undertreatment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrations and diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of two views of one embodiment of that whichthe Inventors have defined as a C Plate 100. C Plate 100 is illustratedfrom two (2) different angles, i.e., a top view 102 and a perspectiveview 104. C Plate 100 is typically employed to conform to a patient'sextremity, or limb.

C Plate 100 has a semi-circular curvature that may follow the arc of acircle. C Plate 100 includes a row of holes 106, i.e. forming an outerrow 108, and a row of holes 110, i.e., forming an inner row 112. For thesake of simplicity, only three holes in each of rows 108 and 112 arelabeled. Rows 108 and 112 follow the curvature of C Plate 100. In thisexample, C Plate 100 covers an angle, or an Angle (Ang.) B 116, equal toapproximately one hundred thirty-eight degrees (138°), although Ang. B116 may be any angle greater than ninety degrees (90°) and less than onehundred eighty degrees (180°). For example, C Plate 100 may be availablein ‘⅓’ (120°), ‘⅝’ (225°) and ‘¾’ (270°) configurations. FIG. 1corresponds to a C Plate #2 (See TAB. 1) in which a Radius (Rad.) A 114corresponding to an interior radius of C Plate 100 is equal to seventymillimeters (70 mm), an Ang. C 148 is equal to an angle of eleven pointtwo five degrees (11.25°) and an Ang. D. 120 is equal to an angle ofeleven point two five degrees (11.25°).

TABLE 1 provides some examples of various sizes of C Plate 100 alongwith possible number and spacing, or angles, of holes in rows 108 and112:

TABLE 1 C Rad. “A” No. Outer No. Inner Angle Angle Angle Plate In mmHoles Holes “B” “C” “D” # (114) (106) (110) (116) (118) (150) 1 60 10 9  133° 12.86° 12.86° 2 70 12 11   133° 11.25° 11.25° 3 80 14 13 138.2°10.00° 10.00° 4 90 16 15 142.6°  9.00°  9.00° 5 100 16 15   133°  8.18° 8.18°

FIG. 2 is an illustration of two views of one embodiment of that whichthe Inventors have defined as an N Plate 130. N Plate 130 is illustratedfrom two (2) different angles, i.e., a top view 132 and a perspectiveview 134. N Plate 130 is typically employed to conform to a patients'extremity.

N Plate 130 includes a row of holes 136, i.e. forming an outer row 138,and a row of holes 140. i.e., forming an inner row 142. Rows 138 and 142follow the curvature of N Plate 130 and extend into extensions 143 atthe end of curvature. For the sake of simplicity, only three holes ineach of rows 138 and 142 are labeled. Like C Plate 100, N plate 130 hasa portion with a partial semi-circular curvature that may follow the arcof a circle. N Plate 130 also has straight extensions 143 at the ends ofthe curved portion. Straight extensions 143 are typically parallel toeach other. In this example, the curved portion of N Plate 130 covers anAngle (Ang.) B 146, equal to approximately one hundred eighty degrees(180°). In alternative embodiments Ang. B 146 may also exceed 180°. FIG.2 corresponds to an N Plate #2 (See TAB. 2) in which a Diameter (Dia.) A144 corresponding to the interior diameter of N Plate 130 is equal toone hundred forty millimeters (140 mm), an Ang. C 148 is equal to anangle of eleven point two five degrees (11.25°), an Ang. D 150 is equalto an angle of eleven point two five degrees (11.25°) and the length ofextensions 143, or a Lgth. E 148, is equal to sixty millimeters (60 mm).

TABLE 2 provides some examples of various sizes of N Plate 130 alongwith possible number and spacing, or angles, of holes in rows 138 and142:

TABLE 2 No. No. Lgth. N Dia. “A” Outer Inner Angle Angle Angle “E” PlateIn mm Holes Holes “B” “C” “D” In mm # (144) (138) (142) (146) (148)(150) (152) 1 120 19 19 180° 12.86° 12.86° 45 2 140 23 23 180° 11.25°11.25° 60 3 160 25 25 180° 10.00° 10.00° 60 4 180 27 27 180°  9.00° 9.00° 60 5 200 29 29 180°  8.18°  8.18° 60 6 240 31 31 180°  7.50° 7.50° 60

FIG. 3 is an illustration of two views of one embodiment of that whichthe Inventors have defined as an J Plate 160. J Plate 160 is illustratedfrom two (2) different angles, i.e., a top view 162 and a perspectiveview 164, J Plate 160 is typically employed to conform to a patient'sextremity.

J Plate 160 includes a row of holes 166, i.e. forming an outer row 168,and a row of holes 170, i.e., forming an inner row 172. For the sake ofsimplicity, only three holes in each of rows 168 and 172 are labeled.Like C Plate 100, J plate 160 has a portion with a partial circularcurvature that may follow the arc of a circle. J Plate also has astraight extension 174 at the one end of the curved portion. In thisexample, the curvature portion of J Plate 160 covers an angle equal toapproximately one hundred thirty-eight degrees (140°), although theangle may be any angle greater than ninety degrees (90°) and less thanone hundred eighty degrees (180°).

FIG. 3 corresponds to an J Plate #2 (See TAB. 3) in which a Radius(Rad.) A 174 corresponding to the interior radius of J Plate 160 isequal to seventy millimeters (70 mm), Angle (Ang.) C 178 is equal to anangle of eleven point two five degrees (11.25°), an Ang. D 180 is equalto an angle of eleven point two five degrees (11.25°) and the length ofextension 176, or a Length (Lgth.) B 176, is equal to sixty millimeters(60 mm).

TABLE 3 provides some examples of various sizes of J Plate 160 alongwith possible number and spacing, or angles, of holes in rows 168 and172:

TABLE 3 J Rad. “A” No. Outer No. Inner Lgth. Ang. Ang. Plate In mm HolesHoles “B” “C” “D” # (174) (168) (172) (176) (178) (180) 1 60 13 13 4512.86° 12.86° 2 70 16 16 60 11.25° 11.25° 3 80 18 18 60 10.00° 10.00° 490 19 19 60  9.00°  9.00° 5 100 20 20 60  8.18°  8.18°

FIG. 4 is an illustration of two views of one embodiment of that whichthe Inventors have defined as K Plate 200. K Plate 200 is illustratedfrom two (2) different angles, i.e., a top view 202 and a perspectiveview 204. K Plate 200 is typically employed to conform to a patient'spelvis.

K Plate 200 includes a row of holes 206, i.e. forming an outer row 208,and a row of holes 210, i.e., forming an inner row 212. For the sake ofsimplicity, only three holes in each of rows 208 and 212 are labeled.Like J Plate 160 (FIG. 1), K Plate 200 has a portion with a partialcircular curvature that may follow the are of a circle and a straightextension 214 at the one end of the curved portion. Unlike J Plate 160,in this example, K plate also has a straight extension 216 that extendsfrom extension 214 and an extension 218, both of which extend outwardfrom the side of the convex curved portion of K. Plate 200. Alternativeembodiments may only one or additional extensions such as extensions 214and 216. In this example, the curvature portion of K Plate 200 covers anangle equal to approximately one hundred forty degrees (140°), althoughthe angle may be any angle greater than ninety degrees (90°) and lessthan one hundred eighty degrees (180°).

FIG. 4 corresponds to an K Plate #2 (See TAB. 4) in which a Radius(Rad.) A 222 corresponding to the interior radius of K Plate 200 isequal to seventy millimeters (70 mm), Angle (Ang.) C 226 is equal to anangle of eleven point two five degrees (11.25°), an Ang. D 228 is equalto an angle of eleven point two five degrees (11.25°) and the length ofextension 214, or a Length (Lgth.) B 224, is equal to sixty millimeters(60 mm).

TABLE 4 provides some examples of various sizes of K Plate 200 alongwith possible number and spacing, or angles, of holes in rows 208 and212:

TABLE 4 K Rad. “A” No. Outer No. Inner Lgth. Angle Angle Plate In mmHoles Holes “B” “C” “D” # (222) 208) (212) (224) (226) (228) 1 60 13 1345 12.86° 12.86° 2 70 16 16 60 11.25° 11.25° 3 80 18 18 60 10.00° 10.00°4 90 19 19 60  9.00°  9.00° 5 100 20 20 60  8.18°  8.18°

FIG. 5 is an illustration of two views of one embodiment of that whichthe Inventors have defined as an I Plate 230. I Plate 230 is illustratedfrom two (2) different angles, i.e., a top view 232 and a perspectiveview 234. I Plate 230 is typically employed to conform to a patient'sfoot or to extend portions of plates 100 (FIG. 1), 130 (FIG. 2), 160(FIG. 3) and 200 (FIG. 4).

I Plate 230 includes a first row of holes 236, which includes holes 238and an end hole 240, and a second row of holes 242, which includes holes244 and an end hole 246. For the sake of simplicity, only four holes ineach of rows 236 and 242 are labeled. In this example. I Plate 230 has alength 248 of one hundred thirty millimeters (130 mm), a width 250 ofthirty millimeters (30 mm) and a thickness (not labeled) of tenmillimeters (10 mm). Holes 238 and 244 in each row 236 and 242 arespaced a distance 252 of fifteen millimeters (15 mm) apart and end holes240 and 246 are a distance 254 of ten millimeters (10 mm) from therespective edges of I plate 230. It should be noted that all holes inrows 236 and 242 extend through both a top surface 256 and a bottomsurface (not shown) of I Plate 230.

An end surface 260 includes a hole 258 that is adjacent to the spacebetween top surface 256 and the bottom surface that corresponds to hole240. Although not shown, there is also a hole in the opposite end of Iplate 230 that is adjacent to the space between top surface 256 and thebottom surface that corresponds to hole 246. Hole 258 and the hole inthe opposite end of I Plate 230 are threaded and used to attach I Plate230 to other components of the claimed subject matter.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of two views of one embodiment of that whichthe Inventors have defined as a Foot Plate 270. Foot Plate 270 isillustrated from two (2) different angles, i.e., a top view 272 and aperspective view 274. Foot Plate 270 is typically employed to provide aplatform for attachment to a customized combination of plates 100 (FIG.1), 130 (FIG. 2), 160 (FIG. 3), 200 (FIG. 4) and 230 (FIG. 5). Likeplates 100 130, 160, 200 and 230, Foot Plate 270 has holes 276 in anouter row 278 and holes 280 in an inner row 282. There are also extraholes 284 at corners of Foot Plate 260. Holes 284 merely provide extrapoints of attachment to Foot Plate 270. Four (4) holes 286 are providedfor the attachment of “Rocker Rails,” or “Walker Rails,” (see 404, FIG.9). Holes 276, 280 and 284 are spaced and positioned to align with theholes of plates 100, 130, 160, 200 and 230.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of an telescoping adjustable strut 300 thatmay be employed in conjunction with the claimed subject matter.Adjustable strut 300 is illustrated in two different configurations,i.e., a shortened configuration 302 and an extended position 304. Itshould be understood that adjustable strut 300 is adjustable to anylength between a shortened configuration and a fully extendedconfiguration. The example is of a “medium” length that may be shortenedto as little as one hundred twenty-five millimeters (125 mm) andextended to a long as two hundred seven millimeters (207 mm).

Threaded rods 306 are attached to the ends of adjustable strut 300.Threaded rods 306 may be extended through holes of plates 100 (FIG. 1),130 (FIG. 2). 160 (FIG. 3), 200 (FIG. 4), 230 (FIG. 5) and 270 (FIG. 6)and fixed with nuts (see 410, FIG. 9) to attach the various plates 100,130, 160, 200, 230 and 270. Swivel joints 308 enable plates 100, 130,160, 200, 230 and 270 to be coupled together in multiple configurationsdepending upon such factors as a patient's size and placement of thedisclosed EBF system on a patient.

Adjustable strut 300 includes an inner sleeve 310 and an outer sleeve312. Outer sleeve 312 fits over inner sleeve 310 and can be positionedto adjust the length of adjustable strut 300. A bolt 314 may be loosenedto adjust the position of inner sleeve 310 and outer sleeve with respectto each other and tightened to secure a particular relative position.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of three hinges and one bolt that may beemployed in conjunction with an external bone fixation (EBF) system toaffix the EBF system to a patient's extremity A male hinge 320 includesa threaded end 322 which is typically inserted through one of the holesof plates 100 (FIG. 1). 130 (FIG. 2), 160 (FIG. 3), 200 (FIG. 4), 230(FIG. 5) and 270 (FIG. 6) and attached to the corresponding plates witha nut (not shown). A hole 324 provides an attachment point for a wire(see 504, FIG. 14), pin (see 506, FIG. 14) or other hardware to affixthe EBF system to a patient's extremity or pelvis.

A female hinge 330 includes a threaded hole 332 that is used to attachhinge 330 to a plate such as plates 100, 130, 160, 200, 230 and 270.Typically, a bolt (not shown) would be inserted through one of the holesin the respective plate and threaded and tightened into hole 332. A hole334 provides an attachment point for a wire, pin or other hardware toaffix the EBF system to a patient's extremity or pelvis.

A ninety degree (90°) hinge 340 includes a threaded hole 342 that isused to attach hinge 340 to a plate such as plates 100, 130, 160, 200,230 and 270. Typically a bolt (not shown) would be inserted through oneof the holes in the respective plate and threaded and tightened intohole 342. A hole 344 provides an attachment point for a wire, pin orother hardware to affix the EBF system to a patient's extremity orpelvis.

A bolt 350 includes a hole 352 through which a pin (see 528, FIG. 15) orwire (see 530, FIG. 15) may be inserted. When bolt 350 is passed througha hole in one of plates 100, 130, 160, 200, 230 and 270 and a nut (notshown) is tightened, a collar 354 secures the pin or wire into hole 352.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of one embodiment of an external fixationsystem (EFS) 400 in accordance with the disclosed technology thatemploys two N Plates 130 (FIG. 2), two posts 406 and Foot Plate 270(FIG. 6). In a cascade configuration, N Plates 130 are affixed to eachother with posts 402 that are welded or bolted in place. In addition,EBF system 400 includes two (2) Walker Rails 404. Walker Rails 404 maybe attached to Foot Plate 270, providing a cushion or spring interfacebetween EBF system 400 and the ground. In this example, N Plates 130 arecoupled in a “cascade” configuration, which implies that N Plates 130are permanently attached with posts 402 that have been welded orotherwise permanently affixed to N Plates 130. The lower N Plate 130 iscoupled to Foot Plate 270 with adjustable struts 300 (FIG. 7). Posts 406are attached to the front of Foot Plate 270 and Foot Plate 260 isattached to a pair of Walker Rails 404. Posts 406, which provide bothstability to EBF system 400 and additional attachment points for wires(see 504, FIG. 13), pins (see 506, FIG. 13) and other hardware, may bestabilized by a Fore Foot Bridge 408.

Where employed, posts such as posts 402 may be either welded orotherwise permanently attached, i.e., in a pre-configured “cascade”configuration, or bolted, i.e., in a “stacked” configuration, to therespective components. Struts 300 are typically attached to therespective components with nuts such as a nut 410 and swivel joints 308(FIG. 7). In this manner, the various components are able be adjustedinto any of a variety of positions. In addition, struts 300 aretypically configured to be adjustable with respect to the length so thatstruts 300 may be both adjusted for a particular patient and alsoperiodically lengthened during treatment to promote bone growth.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of the one embodiment of an EBF system 420 inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs C Plate 100 (FIG.1). N Plate 130 (FIG. 2), two posts 406 (FIG. 9). Foot Plate 270 (FIG.6) and Fore Foot Bridge 408 (FIG. 9). C Plate 100 is coupled to the topN Plate 130 with posts 402 (FIG. 9) and N Plates 130 is attached to FootPlate 270 (FIG. 6) with adjustable struts 300 (FIG. 7). In this example,C Plate 100 is affixed to N Plate 130 with posts 402, which are weldedor bolted to C Plate 100 and N Plate 130 in a stacked configuration.

Like EBF system 400 (FIG. 9), Foot Plate 270 of EBF system 420 isattached to a pair of Walker Rails 404 (FIG. 9) and posts 406, whichprovide both stability to EBF system 420 and additional attachmentpoints for wires (see 504, FIG. 14) and pins (see 506, FIG. 14) arecoupled with Fore Foot Bridge 408 (FIG. 9).

FIG. 11 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system 440 inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs N Plate 130 (FIG.2) and two I Plates 230 (FIG. 5). N Plate 130 is coupled to I Plates 230with telescoping adjustable struts 300 (FIG. 7). This particularconfiguration may be employed, for example, to secure a patient's tibia(not shown) and foot (not shown) by attaching N Plate 130 to the tibiaand I Plates 230 to the foot.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system 460 inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs two J Plates 160(FIG. 3). J Plates 160 are coupled with telescoping adjustable struts300 (FIG. 7). Like EBF system 440 (see FIG. 11), this particularconfiguration may be employed, for example, to secure a patient's tibia(not shown) and foot (not shown) (see FIG. 15).

FIG. 13 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system 480 inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs one C Plate 100(FIG. 1) and two N Plates 130 (FIG. 2), illustrated in conjunction witha patient's leg 482. C Plate 100 is coupled to upper N Plate 130 withpost 402 (FIG. 9) and two angled posts 483, of which only one is visiblein this drawing, Upper N Plate 130 is coupled with lower N Plate 130with telescoping adjustable struts 300 (FIG. 7). EBF 480 would beaffixed to a tibia of leg 482 with a combination of pins and/or wires,which are not shown in this drawing (see FIG. 15). It should be noted,that this particular configuration, unlike convention systems withcircular rings, would enable the patient to lie on their back withoutbeing encumbered by EBF system 480.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system 500 inaccordance with the disclosed technology that employs C Plate 100 (FIG.1), N Plate 130 (FIG. 2) and Foot Plate 270 (FIG. 6), illustrated inconjunction with a patient's leg 502. C Plate 100 is coupled to N Plate130 with a post 402 (FIG. 9) and two angled posts 482 (see FIG. 13), ofwhich only one is visible in this drawing, N Plate 130 is coupled toFoot Plate 270 with telescoping adjustable struts 300 (FIG. 7). Alsocoupled to Foot Plate 270 are two posts 402 of which only one is visiblein this drawing. EBF 500 would typically be affixed to a tibia of leg502 and the foot of the patient with a combination of pins and/or wires,which are not shown in this drawing (see FIG. 15). It should be noted,that this particular configuration, like EBF system 480 and unlikeconvention systems with circular rings, would enable the patient to lieon their back without being encumbered by EBF system 500.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of an EBF system 520 with two J Plates 160(FIG. 3), illustrated affixed to a patient's exposed tibia 522 and footbone 524. The patient's leg is not shown in this illustration. J Plates160 are coupled with three telescoping adjustable struts 300 (FIG. 7).Attachments 526, such as hinges 320, 330 and 340 (FIG. 8) and bolt 350(FIG. 8), are employed to attach half pins 528 to lower J Plate 160. Inthis figure bolt 350 is illustrated. For the sake of simplicity, onlyone attachment 526 and pin 528 are labeled. Half pins 528 are thenattached to either a heel bone or foot bone 524. Upper J Plate 160 isaffixed to tibia 522 with half pin 534 and attachment 536, which may beany of hinges 320, 330 and 340 (FIG. 8) and bolt 350 (FIG. 8). A secondpin 538 is attached by means of a hinge 540 to a post 542 that is boltedto upper J Plate 160.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system 550 withtwo K Plates 200 (FIG. 4) from a front perspective 552, illustrated inconjunction with a patient's pelvic bone 554 under treatment. Plates200, which may be bolted together, are coupled with three telescopingadjustable struts 300 (FIG. 7). The assembled system 550 is attached topelvic bone 554 by means of pins 556. Pins 556 are coupled to K Plates200 by means of hinges or bolts, which in this example is bolt 350 (FIG.8), only one of which is labeled in FIG. 16 for the sake of simplicity.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of the embodiment of EBF system 550 of FIG.16 from a side perspective 560. Like perspective 552 of FIG. 16,perspective 560 includes pelvic bone 554, K Plate 200, telescopingadjustable strut 300, pins 556 and bolt 350.

It should be understood that the disclosed technology may be implementedin almost an infinite number of configurations depending upon the needsof any particular patient and HCP. A customized EBF device may beconstructed based upon such factors as the size of a patient, the natureof an injury and a particular type of bone deformity that is in need ofcorrection. In addition to the advantages of customization, thedisclosed technology provides a patient with a more comfortable EBFdevice in that, unlike current EBF devices, the claimed subject matterprovides a device does not need to surround a limb or torso undertreatment, thereby enabling a patient to lie down unencumbered by thedevice.

FIG. 18 is an illustration of one embodiment of that which the Inventorshave defined as a T Plate 600. T Plate 600 includes a main bar 602, amiddle bar 604 and an end bar 606. Middle bar 604 is perpendicular tomain bar 602 and approximately half way between one end of main bar 602and end bar 606, which is also perpendicular to main bar 602 andparallel to middle bar 604. In one embodiment, middle bar 604 is weldedto main bar 602 to form a ‘+’ construct. End bar 606 may also be weldedto main bar 602 or, in an alternative embodiment removably attached witha bolt or screw. T Plate may also be machined from a sheet of metal. Inaddition, other components such as C Plate 100 (FIG. 1) may be attachedto main bar 602 rather than end bar 606. Although not illustrated, mainbar 602 may include a notch to accommodate end bar 606 or anothercomponent such as C Plate 100.

All of bars 602, 604 and 606 include holes 608, which for the sake ofonly holes of middle bar 604 are labeled. It should be noted that allholes 608 in bars 602, 604 and 606 extend through the respective bars602, 604 and 606. At ends of bars 602, 604 and 606 are threaded holes610, 612 and 614, respectively. Although not visible in FIG. 18, each ofbars 602, 604 and 606 also have threaded holes corresponding to threadedholes 610, 612 and 614, respectively, in the non-visible ends of bars602, 604 and 606. Holes 608, 610, 612 and 614 used to attach T Plate 600to other components of the claimed subject matter.

T Plate 600 may be employed to provide support to a patient's leg orother bone with main bar 602 in parallel to the leg bone and bars 602,604, 606 and other components such as plates 100, 130 (FIG. 2), 160(FIG. 3), 200 (FIG. 4), 230 (FIG. 5), 270 (FIG. 6) and struts 300 (FIG.7) attached to the bone with pins 528 (FIG. 15) and wires 530 (FIG. 15).

FIG. 19 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system 650 with aT Plate 600 (FIG. 18) and two I Plates 652 and 654, illustrated inconjunction with a patient's tibia 656 under treatment. T Plate 600 isattached to I Plates 652 and 654 with four (4) adjustable struts 300(FIG. 7). T Plate 600 is attached to tibia 656 by means of three (3)pins 658, only one of which is labeled, and attachments 660, only one ofwhich is labeled and which may be any of hinges 320, 330 and 340 (FIG.8) and bolt 350 (FIG. 8).

FIG. 20 is an illustration of one embodiment of that which the Inventorshave defined as an Z Plate 700. Z Plate 700 includes a main bar 702 andtwo end bars 704 and 706. End bars 704 and 706 are perpendicular to mainbar 702, parallel to each other and extend from main bar 702 close toopposite ends of main bar 7022. All of bars 702, 704 and 706 includeholes 708, which for the sake of only holes of end bar 706 are labeled.It should be noted that all holes 708 in bars 702, 704 and 706 extendthrough the respective bars 702, 704 and 706. At ends of bars 702 and706 are threaded holes 710 and 712, respectively. Although not visiblein FIG. 19, main bar 702 and end bar 704 also have threaded holescorresponding to threaded holes 710 and 712, respectively, in thenon-visible ends of bars 702 and 704. Holes 708, 710 and 712 used toattach Z Plate 700 to other components of the disclosed technology.

Like T Plate 600, Z Plate 700 may be employed to provide support to apatient's leg or other bone with main bar 702 in parallel to the legbone and bars 704, 706 and other components such as plates 100, 130(FIG. 2). 160 (FIG. 3), 200 (FIG. 4), 230 (FIG. 5). 270 (FIG. 6) andstruts 300 (FIG. 7) attached to the bone with pins 528 (FIG. 15) andwires 530 (FIG. 15).

FIG. 21 is an illustration of one embodiment of an EBF system 750 with aZ Plate 700 (FIG. 20), illustrated in conjunction with a patient's tibia752 under treatment. Z Plate 700 is attached to tibia 752 by means ofthree (3) pins 754, only one of which is labeled, and attachments 756,only one of which is labeled and which may be any of hinges 320, 330 and340 (FIG. 8) and bolt 350 (FIG. 8). Z Plate 700 is also attached to thepatient's heel bond 758 with adjustable strut 300 (FIG. 7), a pin 760and an attachment 762.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify thepresence of stated features, elements, and/or components, but do notpreclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,elements, components, and/or groups thereof. In addition the term“concave side” refers to the side of an arc on which a line drawnbetween any two points on the arc would lie. The term “convex side”refers to the side of an arc opposite the concave portion of the arc.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of allmeans plus function elements in the claims below are intended to includeany structure, material, or act for performing the function incombination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. Thedescription of the claimed subject matter has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and the practical application, and to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention forvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for the external fixation of bones, comprising: a plurality of two or more fixation plates configured along an axis, the two or more fixation plates selected from a list, the list comprising: a plurality of generally C-shaped Plates; a plurality of generally N-shaped Plates; a plurality of generally J-shaped Plates; a plurality of generally I-shaped Plates; a plurality of generally Z-shaped Plates; and a plurality of generally T-shaped Plates; a plurality of telescoping adjustable struts that connect a first fixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis with a second fixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis, wherein the first and second fixation plates are adjacent plates along the axis; and a plurality of posts, each post connecting two adjacent fixation plates of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the list further comprising a plurality of generally K-shaped Plates.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, the list further comprising a plurality of Foot Plates.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a plurality of posts coupled to the foot plate; and a plurality of bridges, each bridge coupled at an end to a corresponding post and couples at an opposite end to the second fixation plate.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of holes in each of the plurality of fixation plates; and a plurality of fixation devices selected from a fixation list, the fixation list comprising: a plurality of pins; and a plurality of wires; wherein each fixation device of the plurality of fixation devices is coupled to at least one hole of the plurality of holes and configured to secure a bone within the plurality of fixation plates.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of the fixation plates and posts are in a cascade configuration.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of the fixation plates and posts are welded together.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least two of the fixation plates and posts are in a stacked configuration.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, each of the plurality of adjustable telescoping struts comprising a plurality of swivel hinges for attaching to the fixation plates.
 10. A system for the assembly of a customized orthopedic external bone fixation device, comprising: a plurality of fixation plates, the plurality of fixation plates comprising: a plurality of generally C-shaped Plates; a plurality of generally N-shaped Plates; a plurality of generally J-shaped Plates; a plurality of generally I-shaped Plates; a plurality of generally Z-shaped Plates; and a plurality of generally T-shaped Plates; a plurality of coupling devices, the coupling device selected from a list, the list comprising: a plurality of adjustable telescoping struts; and a plurality of posts; wherein each of the coupling devices is configured to affix a first fixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis with a second fixation plate of the plurality of fixation plates along the axis; and wherein the first and second fixation plates are adjacent plates along the axis.
 11. The system of claim 10, the fixation plates further comprising a plurality of generally K-shaped Plates.
 12. The system of claim 10, the fixation plates further comprising a Foot Plate.
 13. The system of claim 10, the plurality of fixation plates further comprising: a plurality of holes in each of the plurality of fixation plates; and a plurality of pins, each pin coupled to at least one hole of the plurality of holes, configures to secure a bone within the plurality of fixation plates.
 14. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of holes in each fixation plate comprise a double row of holes.
 15. The system of claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of pins; and a plurality of wires, wherein the pins and wires are for securing a bone within the plurality fixation plates.
 16. The system of claim 10, each of the plurality of adjustable telescoping struts comprising a plurality of swivel hinges for attaching the struts to the fixation plates.
 17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least two of the fixation plates are in a stacked configuration.
 18. The system of claim 10, wherein at least two of the fixation plates and posts are in a cascade configuration.
 19. The system of claim 10, wherein at least two of the fixation plates are welded together. 